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Reviewed by dglink 8 / 10

Great Take Off, But a Soft Landing

The vicious, bloody homicide of a prominent businessman, his wife, and
bodyguard in New York's Battery Park brings shaggy detective Dewey
Wilson out to investigate. The three victims were partially
dismembered, and forensics finds non-human evidence on the bodies and
body parts. From that captivating start, Michael Wadleigh's 1981
mystery-thriller, "Wolfen," holds viewer interest throughout. Other
corpses surface during the course of the investigation, and,
mysteriously, while some body parts seem to have been gnawed or eaten,
diseased or cancerous organs were rejected. While rarely straying off
course, this engrossing film adds a dose of Native American mysticism
and lore to unraveling the series of murders. Although Wilson is not a
particularly demanding role, Albert Finney brings a weary depth of
character that enhances what could have been a stock character. Diane
Venora is adequate as Rebecca Neff, Wilson's co-worker and love
interest, but Gregory Hines is excellent as the forensics expert, and
Tom Noonan brightens his few scenes as a wolf enthusiast.

Based on a novel by Whitley Strieber, Wadleigh, who also co-wrote the
script with David Eyre, alludes to the killers' identity, but wisely
keeps them off screen throughout most of the film. When only a pair of
evil red eyes peer through the darkness, the imagination creates the
horror. The killings and victims are subjectively seen through the
killers's eyes with cinematographer Gerry Fisher's striking use of
thermographic images, which add a surreal element. However, Fisher's
non-thermographic photography is equally beautiful and turns the empty
shells of churches and apartment buildings in the South Bronx into an
otherworldly landscape consistent with the supernatural aspects of the
story.

Unfortunately, the eerie buildup and savagery of the murders create
expectations that the final revelation cannot meet. However, despite a
climax that brings the story to a soft-landing, "Wolfen" delivers for
most of its running time. With a fine understated performance by
Finney, evocative photography by Fisher, and a taut script by Wadleigh
and Eyre, "Wolfen" is a gem from the early 1980's that deserves to be
rediscovered.

Reviewed by gavin6942 7 / 10

Werewolf Classic

A New York cop (Albert Finney) investigates a series of brutal deaths
that resemble animal attacks. Tom Noonan and his beard guest star in a
key role.

The film is known for its early use of an in-camera effect to portray
the subjective point of view of a wolf. Similar to thermography, the
technique was later adopted by other horror films such as the
"Predator" film series.

Although considered a modern werewolf classic, Roger Ebert asserted
Wolfen "is not about werewolves but is about the possibility that
Indians and wolves can exchange souls." Well, yeah, that is true... but
it is still werewolves, even if not in the traditional sense.

Where is the proper release? This is what people want to know.
Apparently the director has a preferred cut, but instead all we get is
a bare bones Blu-ray with nothing more than a trailer. Surely there is
much more that could be done.

Reviewed by utgard14 8 / 10

"You have the eyes of the dead."

When a famous tycoon, his wife, and his bodyguard are brutally murdered
in Battery Park, a cynical detective (Albert Finney) is assigned to the
case. With help from a police psychologist (Diane Venora), a colorful
coroner (Gregory Hines), and a weirdo zoologist (Tom Noonan), his
investigation leads him to suspect a Native American connection to the
killings.

A great thriller with horror overtones that's a different kind of
werewolf film than any other (certainly at the time of release). Many
argue it isn't really a werewolf film at all. I can see why they'd say
that but I think it obviously counts as one. The film is directed by
Michael Wadleigh, whose only other directorial effort was the Woodstock
documentary. It's a shame he didn't do more because he does show a good
deal of talent here. Predator fans will notice this movie uses a
similar visual technique for the wolves' point of view, including
similar sound effects, years before the first Predator movie. The cast
is excellent and the script is pretty good, if a little packed. Nice
cinematography from Gerry Fisher and use of actual Bronx locations
helps in creating a fine atmosphere. It's a very interesting film that
tackles a number of subjects (probably too many). Monster movie fans
might balk at the lack of any "wolf men," but the strength of the movie
is not in its special effects or gore, but in its story and how it's
presented. Keep an open mind and give it a shot and I'm sure you'll
find something to like about Wolfen. I've seen it a few times now and
each time it gets better.